Wasn't surprised by how that game went at all really, seen it too many times.

Lineout was very frustrating, as was our complete inability to stop them from slowing our ball down at every single breakdown, backrow has been a vunerability for us through the whole tournament and that can only be put down to Robshaw's absence. They were immense.

The Crusaders game, like the first two, will also be a training game to give every player a start. Then we will see the Dirtrackers against the Highlanders, with the shape of the test team being revealed against the Maoris. That when the team will be pulled together. The first four games are effectively trials.

The team for the Saders game looks like it'd be very close to the 23 Gatland will pick in the tests. Looks strong. They'll need to be, because the Saders this year are absolutely humming like the machine they used to be. Should be a huge game.

The Crusaders game, like the first two, will also be a training game to give every player a start. Then we will see the Dirtrackers against the Highlanders, with the shape of the test team being revealed against the Maoris. That when the team will be pulled together. The first four games are effectively trials.

Hasn't been a massive amount of admiration for the Lions' style of play from an aesthetic standpoint, but plenty of appreciation for how effective it is - and it's the way you need to play to beat these ABs. Not going to get past them trying to outrun them.

They've definitely earned a heap of respect. Shaping to be a series for the ages.

Both of those starting teams looking pretty strong. Could be a bit of rain about too, which will work to your boys' favour.

Fizzing for Saturday, most pumped/nervous I've been for a Test in ages. All this constant domination does become tiresome.

Feeling pretty good about the Lions team. Forward dominance all the way, and keeping Itoje and Warburton back to come on as 2nd half destroyers has potential to be a devastating tactic.If we can get the likes of SoB and PoM stopping fast ball getting out of breakdowns and Farrell b2b Teo closing down any runners, we're in with a good chance.

Great Test match, Lions played with plenty of passion but just couldn't convert their chances and were out-muscled. ABs far too clinical, playing at a different pace.

Tactic of bombing away with the box kick proved highly flawed, was just gifting us possession. Lions with some impressive defence but there's only so long you can hold out our relentless attack.

Gatland has to change things up in the pack, Lions were utterly dominated upfront. Itoje and Lawes to start, I reckon. Reserves needs revisiting too, the decision to play Warburton off the bench I always thought was bizarre, his game is far too plodding to add much impact.

Still plenty of room to improve for our boys, some sloppy tackling at times. Bring on this weekend.